Conference will educate, train college women to run for office

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — College women from across the city will gather at the University of Louisville Nov. 9 to participate in a daylong workshop aimed at training and encouraging them to run for office — both on campus and beyond.

“Elect Her – Campus Women Win” is a five-hour workshop for students that will feature research and information about women and politics, inspiring local speakers and interactive campaign exercises.

The event, which will take place at 30 colleges in the U. S. and Jamaica, is part of a program offered this year by the American Association of University Women and Running Start.

“Elect Her – Campus Women Win” will run from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Floyd Theater, Student Activities Center, Belknap Campus. UofL’s Engage Lead Serve Board is hosting the event, and the Student Activities Board is co-sponsor.

Guest speaker will be Jefferson County Circuit Court Judge Angela Bisig. The Office of Student Involvement will facilitate the event.

“We’re training women to bridge the gender leadership gap by starting early,” said American Association of University Women Executive Director Linda Hallman. “By encouraging and supporting more women to be political leaders on their own campuses, we are helping to set them up for success in leadership roles later.”

Pam Curtis, director of student leadership and service, said, “It is critical that more young women run for elected student positions during their college years. Most importantly, this training will prepare anyone to run strong, positive and effective campaigns for local, state and federal offices.”